Model and Strategy
BatteryPowered funding would allow us to launch our peer-led chapters in 10 new cities—a 22% expansion of services to more than 3,200 people by the end of 2020, a substantial accomplishment that will save countless lives. Each Young People in Recovery (YPR) chapter will have bi-weekly all-recovery meetings, quarterly workshops focusing on life skills for individuals in recovery, and monthly “pro-social” activities (hiking, yoga, etc.) to provide an alternative peer group that is supportive of recovery. All events will be offered free of charge and materials are available in English and Spanish.
In addition, YPR will use digital media advocacy and communications to educate the general public about addiction and recovery, to reduce stigma about seeking help for a substance use disorder, and to advocate for policies and programs that benefit youth and young adults. We will have a minimum of 1,000,000 impressions and 10,000 click-throughs and will execute a minimum of four public engagement activities through social media such as petition-signings, calls-to-action, and more.
Impact
Each of the 10 YPR chapters that will be funded through this grant opportunity will allow youth and young adults in communities nationwide to find recovery support and an alternative peer group in order to avoid relapse, overdose and death. Through bi-weekly all-recovery meetings; monthly pro-social events; and quarterly life skills workshops focusing on housing, education and employment, YPR participants will come together in a safe and supportive environment that celebrates recovery and where they can meet others who are also in recovery.
Participants improve their overall health and wellness; become better able to set goals like going back to school/getting a job; are more dedicated to their own personal recovery program, whether that’s harm reduction, medication-assisted, 12 Step, faith-based, etc.; and will improve their leadership skills and their ability to locate recovery resources in their own communities. By helping people maintain ""active” recovery instead of active addiction, hospitalization, arrest and death rates will go down; quality of life will be improved; and the community at large will benefit.
The digital media advocacy that will be undertaken as part of this grant will assist in elevating stories of recovery and reducing stigma around seeking help for a substance use disorder. Furthermore, through greater public engagement on social media, YPR can better inform community members and stakeholders about the current landscape of addiction policy while promoting the pillars of a recovery-ready community—which means a world where all young people have the resources they need to thrive in recovery from addiction to drugs and alcohol.
Leadership
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Justin Luke Riley
President & CEO
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Franklin Erickson
National Program Director
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MacKenzie Fair
National Program Coordinator
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Saraiah Sampson
Program Manager